Presidential pets: From alligators to Bo!

By

HLN Staff

Created 5:57 AM EST,

Sun December 23, 2012

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First Lady Michelle Obama and Portugese water dog, Bo speak to children at the Children's National Medical Center. Pickens noted that Bo has been a helpful tool in her campaign against obesity. Reportedly, Bo's favorite food is tomatoes!

What do a Belgian police dog named King Tut, a pair of raccoons and a cat named Socks have in common? They've all called the White House home. Presidential pets have been a fixture for the first family since the very beginning. It is rumored that George Washington owned a parrot named Polly and John Quincy Adams even shared 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with a pet alligator. In more recent years, humorous tales (and tails) have been shared about the array of animals.

Weekend Express talked to White House social expert Jennifer B. Pickens to get the scoop on all the critters that have called the White House home sweet home. While writing "Christmas at the White House," Pickens says she was easily inspired to write a second book dedicated to the first pets. "We kept coming across all these fabulous images of first families with their pets, so honestly before we finished the first book-- we were already well on our way with a second!"

We've gathered pictures of the adorable pets from different administrations over the years. Take a look and tell us who your favorite first pet is and why!